Arguments raised in their paper:
- Mutations and natural selection are the predominant evolutionary mechanisms to induce variations in flowering plants.
- In Genetic engineering all the molecular/cellular events which are triggered with the insertion of exogenous DNA, are not precisely understood.
- Huge socio-economic cost is borne by farmers from hybrids in Bt Cotton. Since cost of GE seeds and inputs as in Bt Cotton are very high, small farmers are unable to withstands crop losses.
- The site of a gene’s insertion is not controllable, and health concerns from unintended effects have been raised. Precautionary principle has been done away within India and no rigorous biosafety protocols and evaluation of GM crops are in place.
- Bt Cotton in India failed to live up to promises in 10 years, on high yields from pest resistance and reduction in insecticide use.
Scenario of GM Crops in India:
- Bt Cotton: It occupies greater than 95% of India’s cotton acreage. Yields have stagnated at 500kg/ha (lower than yields in China and Egypt)
- Bt Brinjal: It was cleared by GEAC, but was put on a moratorium by the UPA government.
- GM Mustard: GM Mustard developed by Delhi University was cleared by the GEAC, but later it was withdrawn.
